The 35th anniversary of Mustang finally arrived, and the 1999 Mustang was celebrated with a bang. The new design was outstanding and it doesn't seem anything was left "as is" rather everything was improved from the exterior to interior and engine to exhaust.
The 1999 Mustang was long anticipated and consumers were anxious to purchase their very own. The regular Mustang lineup was available in 1999, however problems with the Cobra this year would result in a one year vacation for the model in 2000. An addition to the 1999 lineup was a 35th Anniversary series.
The original Pony Car had made it to 35 years and its celebration was focused on the brand new 1999 Mustang, its outstanding design, and keeping competitors at bay.
1999 Mustang Lineup
The lineup for 1999 was the same as always, except for the addition of the 35th Anniversary Series. Major changes in power and performance as well as design marked the new generation of Mustangs.
Powertrain and Performance
The changes made for the 1999 Mustang would pretty much stay in place for the following model years, but being new in 1999 they were accepted with glee from pony car lovers. The increase in power for the base V6 model was much appreciated. The get up and go, if not a lot, was more than past models. The 3.8 liter split port V6 engine increased the car's power from 150 horsepower to 190. Torque was also increased making the base pony car a good example of what an affordable American muscle car should be. The power for the GT V8 increased as well increasing 35 horsepower. The 4.6 liter SOHC modular V8 engine produced 260 horsepower with 302 foot pounds of torque.
So many new options are available for 1999, and so many old ones improved, it is difficult to address them all! However, you will see how the 1999 Mustang really made a splash with its redesigned pony car. Many changes to the engine and its parts increased power and performance. For example, the new intake manifold runners, new camshafts, and larger valves increased air flow when the engine passed 3000 rpm. The new ignition system was a coil on plug system that produced higher spark and replaced the past ignition system that had no distributors.
Smoother up shifts were the result of a major improvement in the drive train thanks to a recalibrated four speed automatic transmission. The previous year's transmissions were one thing that found their way into the 1999 Mustang, however they were outsourced by Tremac for 1999. The V6 boasted the T-5 while the V8 sported the T-45. As would become the trend for future years 2000 and 2001, the rear axle ratio in the 1999 was 3.27:1 on all models no matter what engine or transmission was used. Fortunately, the gearboxes worked well with the engine, shifted smoothly, and were strong enough to handle gear shifts for the car's lifetime. Also, the fifth gear is a fuel economy overdrive gear and at 70 mph there is only 2000 rpm showing on the tachometer.
A new option for 1999 that was greeted with cheers was traction control. The traction control was a Bosch system that reduced wheel spin. The system worked in a way that when wheel spin was sensed the ignition timing was shut off, fuel cut back, and the brakes activated on either one wheel or both depending on the need. This is the order in which the system reacted. Drivers who did not want the traction control for whatever reason could always turn it off with a switch on the console.
What was once a Mustang that offered an edgy ride, was replaced by a smooth Mustang with a smooth suspension system. The rear suspension was improved for this very reason. Also, 450 pounds per inch of linear rate springs were placed up front on the GT. The rear received 210 pound per inch linear rate springs that were significantly better than the past springs. Both the base model and GT have the solid rear axle, however the mounting allows for good control. There is little axle tramp and of all the solid axle cars on the planet, the Mustang GT might be the best. The changes in the suspension allowed for firmness that replaced the harsh driving experience before. The result of these changes? A smoother riding Mustang that no longer felt stiff, had a quicker response, and improved steering. These changes have made the Mustang an every day car, rather than one just for the weekends.
If you have ever driven a previous model Mustang you may have noticed how the steering wheel seemed a bit stiff. However, changes to the steering system made the 1999 model easier to drive and more enjoyable at that. A liner response was increased due to a revised boost curve that made steering easier while the steering wheel seemed centered and smooth, finally. The 1999 model also saw a three foot reduction in the turning circle due to steering rack changes, front stabilizer bars, and the lower control arms. What does this mean to the everyday driver? Easy maneuverability in every day traffic situations.
Past Mustang owners frequently complained about the brakes, so what better change for the 35th anniversary overhaul than a new braking system? Fortunately, the new aluminum twin piston front calipers improved the brake pedal sensation while eliminating 10 pounds from the vehicle's front. This was a much needed change, and a greatly appreciated one by Mustang fans. The brake pedal ratio regarding travel and brake force was also improved thanks to a new master cylinder design. Hitting the brakes in a Mustang never felt so good! The Antilock Brake System remains optional in 1999, and in order to receive the traction control system it must be ordered.
Exterior
Strong lines give this 1999 muscle car more muscle than ever. The GT90 concept car and the 1964 Mustang were inspiration for the design, but the 1999 Mustang also had some design features that were more modern and distinctly the new generation of Mustang. Chiseled lines and sharp angles made this car look like a bodybuilder of cars it had so much muscle. Curved rocker panels, front and rear wheel arches, sharp corners, a longer rear fender air intake, and other design features make the 1999 Mustang identifiable as a muscle car by just seeing the exterior. One look at the 1999 Mustang and you can tell it's a car that's ready to race.
The 35th Anniversary of the Mustang is commemorated with a tri-colored Mustang badge on the front fender. Other design features that show this car is for racing include a non-functional head scoop, honeycomb grill with chrome pony, reflector headlamps with integrated side marker lamps, and much more.
Sharp angles and chiseled lines are all over this Mustang, including a new sharp edged roof , sharp cornered rear fenders and three element tail lights. The rear windows also have a new angular shape to them. Because of the many sharp corners and edges the deck lid was made of SMC plastic. Flat spoke wheel designs, in the 15, 16, and 17 inch options, complete the edginess of the 1999 Mustang. Twin polished stainless steel exhaust tips mark the GT models as well as the standard rear deck spoiler and front fog lamps.
The long hood short rear deck proportions remain the same as well as the size, just the obvious change is the rounded look of the mid-90s to the razor sharp edges reminiscent of the original Mustang.
1999 Mustang Interior
Looking to the interior there are not too many changes. The seat foam has been improved, which makes long travel considerably more comfortable. Some of the other changes include seat belts that are attached to the seat in order to move with them as well as a longer seat track to provide more leg room to tall drivers. The once four way power driver's seat has been increased to a six way. The seats are covered with new fabrics, and leather is still optional. Ponies are embossed on back seat rests to keep passengers informed they are in a true sports car. The instrument panel is color keyed, which is a nice change from the former black panel. The center console and headliner are also color coded.
Sliding into the cockpit the driver and passenger feel comfortable, albeit snug. A little more interior room increases passengers' comfort where previous models could easily be described as cramped with more than just the driver on board. Of course, the back seat has never been intended for adults, but the small seats are good for carrying small cargo like groceries, purses, or even small children. Increased trunk cargo room may be achieved by folding down the rear seat, yet don't plan on hauling anything too large because it simply won't fit.
Fans of music and great stereo systems will really appreciate the upgraded audio system for the second year in a row. The standard sound system has 80 watts and has new and improved speakers. The 1999 Mustang also allows upgrades like the optional CD/cassette or CD/radio systems, or the Mach 460 system.
The anniversary interior colors for the 1999 Mustang include midnight black, medium graphite, as well as medium parchment.
Final Word
The world waited with baited breath for the arrival of the 1999 Mustang with its new design and features. The world's response? True praise! The legendary Mustang had succeeded once again with an outstanding design at an amazingly low price that almost all Americans could afford. Anyone craving a pony car could satiate their desire with a Mustang at various price points from very affordable on up the scale. The 1999 Mustang was yet another success for Ford and has provided stiff competition for its challengers once again. Mustang sets the bar high, and the competitors are always scrambling to catch up.
